Archive for the ‘News’ Category

After reviewing the weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning, we have decided to cancel our Sabbath morning services. We want all of our church members and guests to stay safe and warm, and we hope you all receive a Sabbath-Day’s blessing even though we won’t be gathered together to worship.

So that you don’t have to miss out on any announcements that were planned or any additions to the prayer list, you can view this week’s bulletin online by clicking here.

There may be some hiccups in posting the sermon podcasts for the next few weeks. We are currently working out some issues with our sound system, and the podcast may or may not record correctly until the issues are resolved.

Since today is Christmas day, I thought I should share the Christmas story, as told in Luke chapter 2. I hope you all have a blessed day with family and friends! Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:1-20(KJV)1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

God has been pouring out His blessings just east of Kansas City, Missouri. Our little stone church on the corner just wrapped up a very successful 4-week Bible prophecy seminar, presented by Amazing Facts. The first two weeks of the seminar were held at the community center in Grain Valley, Missouri, before finishing the final two weeks at the church.

The meetings started the first night with 53 guests attending and continued to average 46 guests for the first two weeks. Attendance dropped some when the meetings moved to the church, but still finished strong with an average of 29 guests for each meeting at the church. Several people have even made decisions because of the meetings. So far nine people have been baptized since the meetings began, and an additional 15 have expressed interest in baptism.

Now that the meetings are over, we’ve begun a Wednesday evening class to expand on the seminar subjects and help the new members and visitors to begin growing in their new-found faith.

Our little stone church on the corner has been hosting an Amazing Facts prophecy seminar. The seminar began on Friday October 14th, with 53 members and 44 guests registered. Jason Sliger has been delivering clear, concise Bible truth four nights a week to an audience made up of Mormons, Catholics, Baptists, and many other religious backgrounds, many of them saying they’ve been starving for the truth. The average attendance for the first week has been 41 members and 40 guests. God has blessed us so far, and we’re praying that He continues to bless throughout the rest of the seminar.

If you’ve read the May edition of Oak Grove News, then you should already be familiar with the Sabbath Manifesto and the challenge I issued to all the church members to unplug this Sabbath, May 8th. If you haven’t read the newsletter, you can find it by clicking here (PDF link).

The challenge is simple: turn off, unplug, or otherwise disconnect yourself from all unnecessary technology for one day and spend that day focusing on your relationship with God and with your friends and family. In the newsletter article I suggested singing with the Sunshine Band, but that’s been postponed a week. The other ideas of taking a stroll in Burr Oak Woods or visiting with friends after church will still work for good activities for an unplugged day. If going for a stroll sounds too unrelaxing, take your Bible with you to Burr Oak Woods and spend some time studying God’s word while enjoying His creation. Whatever you decide to do, the only rules for the challenge are that it doesn’t include technology (a car to get you there is fine) and that it helps to draw you closer to God.

If you plan to take the challenge, hop on over to the church Facebook page and RSVP to the challenge event. Let’s see how many people we can get to unplug for a day and focus on their Creator!

Our Facebook page has reached 25 fans, which means we’re finally able to set a username for the page. You can now reach our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oakgrovesda, or by clicking the link in the lefthand column of this page.

Thanks to all who have helped us reach this milestone! We hope to continue to make our Facebook page, Twitter feed, and this website a helpful resource for all in the Oak Grove area who are seeking Christ.

Due to the weather conditions, the Bible Study and Prayer Meeting for tonight have been cancelled. If these weather conditions continue on through the weekend, Sabbath services for this week may also be cancelled. Check back here for more updates, and stay safe and warm everyone.